Taxonomic notes

Why suggested for a Global Red List Assessment?

This distinctive mushroom species appears to have narrow distribution and has so far been found only in Colombia and Costa Rica in an ectomicorrhizal association with Quercus. In Colombia Q. humboldtii is considered as VU according to the national red list. Personal observation for near 28 year of the population of Rozites colombiana in both countries, showed that it is declining.
Because host and the fungus population are declining, Rozites colombiana is considered VU A2C

Geographic range

So far only known from Colombia and Costa Rica with an ectomicorrhizal association with different species of Quercus.

Population and Trends

Since Rozites colombiana is an ectomycorrhizal fungus associated with Quercus humboldtii, its population is most likely declining due to this plant’s VU status, according to national red list, and to its limited distribution. Q. humboldtii is endemic to Andean highlands, and grows from 1000 to 3200 m elevation. Montane forests in Colombia are also very threatened due to deforestation and mining, so it would be reasonable to believe that R. colombiana populations are declining as it has been observed for near 28 year. According to Rangel (2005) 60% of colombian Quercus forest have rapidly dissapeared.